Comments - Fantastic depiction of the ruthless leader Taira no Kiyomori on his deathbed, wracked by a terrible fever. In his quest for political power, the brutal Kiyomori killed or crushed any opponents who stood in his way. In his later years, he was haunted by his actions, and began to see the spirits of those he had murdered. During his final illness, he was taunted by visions of demons and spirits. Here, he rails at the creatures only he can see, tormented by a shrieking warrior, a horned demon attacking him with a club, and a horrible witch with scraggly white hair. The heads of two victims appear mounted on stands near the top. At right, his wife prays for his spirit, her hands clasped to her forehead, a nobleman kneeling solemnly behind her. An incredible, imaginative triptych, detailed with fine line work, a beautiful embossed pattern on Kiyomori's white kimono, and burnishing on the black court cap and black obi. A haunting and memorable scene.
Artist - Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892)
Image Size - 14 1/4" x 29" + top margin as shown
Condition - Nice color and detail. Two large losses at edges, repaired. A few small creases at corners.
